Billy Bob Thornton burst from relative obscurity to centre stage of the international film industry this year when his film Sling Blade – he wrote, directed and starred – scored Oscar nominations for best actor and best adapted screenplay. Was the fuss justified?
Yes, I would say so.
The creation of the character of Karl both in terms of script and performance is a triumph for Billy Bob Thornton
Thornton plays Karl, a simple-minded man who's been in a state institution since he was 12-years-old when he killed his mother and her lover with a slingblade – a sort of scythe. Released after serving 25 years, he returns to his home town totally unprepared for life in the outside world. despite his murderous past he's an innocent at large. Karl's friendship with a boy Frank, played engagingly by Lucas Black – leads him into family life with Frank and his mother Linda, a life Karl had never known.
The creation of the character of Karl both in terms of script and performance is a triumph for Billy Bob Thornton – Karl is an original. There's never any doubt about his goodness and despite general consensus in the community that he's a retard, he's pretty astute when it comes to people. Thornton has populated his film with solid characters and has cast with originality – country singer Dwight Yoakam plays Linda's boyfriend Doyle, John Ritter is a gay family friend, Linda herself is played by Natalie Canerday.
Perhaps the story telegraphs its intentions – it's not hard to see where the film is heading – but the journey getting there is a rich, rewarding and ultimately very moving one. Made in 24 days for only a million dollars U.S., Thornton has achieved a triple credit rating with this film – his screenplay, direction and performance are the lynchpins of the film's success.
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